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“Blue Point” juniper (Juniperus chinensis “Blue Point”) produces dense clusters of blue-green needles and reaches 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide in a natural teardrop shape when planted in the ground. It will, however, stay smaller when its roots are constricted in a container. This evergreen conifer grows outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9, and is considered an easy-care plant because it does not need pruning to keep its shape.

Soil

Like most juniper plants, “Blue Point” juniper is tolerant of nearly every type of soil except heavy, waterlogged soil, which causes the tree’s needles to turn yellow. Do not use garden soil in containers; it can contain garden pests and transmit plant disease. instead, mix together two parts potting soil and one part compost to create well-draining soil with plenty of slow-release nutrients.

Planting

Use a plant pot that is a couple of inches larger than the original container. Planting a small tree in a large container provides the roots with too much water, which can cause root rot. Add a couple of inches of gravel on the bottom of the container to improve drainage and add weight to the base of the plant so it does not tip over.

Keep the root ball of the juniper intact when removing it from its plant pot. Loosen the roots only around the edges and spread them outward over the top of a mound of potting soil in the new container. Plant the tree at the same level as it was previously growing. Pack soil around the root ball and water the soil well to settle it. Add more soil to bring the dirt level up to a couple of inches from the container rim. Place a water pan underneath the container if you plan to place the juniper on a surface susceptible to water damage.

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Mulching

“Blue Point” juniper trees in containers benefit from the addition of 1 to 3 inches of leaf or bark mulch. Do not pile the mulch up on the tree trunk because it can encourage rot on the trunk. Mulching the soil around the base of the juniper slows the loss of water and helps keep the roots at a constant temperature.

Watering

Once potted, the “Blue Point” juniper requires watering during the first summer. Water it weekly when there has been no rainfall. Soak the soil until water runs out the bottom of the container. Once the tree is established in the pot, water it only when the soil dries out.

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About the Author

Karen Carter spent three years as a technology specialist in the public school system and her writing has appeared in the "Willapa Harbor Herald" and the "Rogue College Byline." She has an Associate of Arts from Rogue Community College with a certificate in computer information systems.